It’s the most wonderful time of the year

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, because it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. And even though it’s cold outside, people are up on the house top to transform our little town into a winter wonderland. Although the weather outside looks frightful and frosty, we’re all dreaming of a white Christmas.

If you follow your GPS and go over the river and through the woods, you’ll be home for Christmas. When you hear sleigh bells, and silver bells, on a silent night, you’ll know Santa Claus is coming to town, to help bring joy to the world.

Thanksgiving kicks off the official holiday season, and the Martin Area Chamber of Commerce members are in full swing to deliver favorite community holiday traditions to everyone.

Shopping and Chili Feed

Santa makes his first appearance on Friday, November 29, when chamber members host the free chili supper from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the Martin Grade School Activity Center. Bring your little one’s Christmas wish list and your camera for a special photo. Santa will fill the air with his jolly “Ho-ho-ho” at 5:30.

Door prizes will be also be given, so pack up the family and spend the day browsing the Black Friday specials of our local merchants, and enjoy the evening with friends at the chili feed.

Festival of Trees

Bennett County Courthouse will take on a festival spirit as local organizations and businesses fill the halls with decorated trees. The Festival of Trees will be available to view at the court house during normal business hours from December 2 through December 31. All are welcome to participate.

Craft Fair and Santa

The annual Craft Fair will be held Saturday, December 7, from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the old Legion auditorium. A little elf told me that Santa plans a second trip to Martin to visit all the little kids again, and adults, too, IF they have been good! His flight is scheduled to arrive at the craft fair at 3:00 p.m. Vendors from near and far will have something special for everyone on your list.

Parade of Lights

Bundle up and gather on Main Street to behold the Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 7, after the craft show at 5:00. Parade entrants will line up up at 4:30 on State Street, facing east, not west, as usual. The lights will be turned off on Main Street to add to the beauty of the parade.

The floats will proceed around the corner near the library, and travel down Main Street going west, then turn around at the Presbyterian Church and proceed back down Main Street going east. The parade will then proceed south on 1st Ave to the stop light.

If possible the parade will be live streamed by the school, which will enable the nursing home residents to watch from inside. If this is possible, then the floats will depart the parade at the stop light instead of continuing on to the nursing home.

Chamber bucks will be given for three places: $75, $50, $25 will be awarded in the Church and Organization Category and in the Youth and Family Category.

A Traveling Trophy will be awarded to best overall business entry. Prizes will be given out at the New American Legion during their Steak Night, following the parade.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the members of the Martin Area Chamber of Commerce extend their thanks to their customers throughout the year, and encourage local patrons to shop local this holiday season.